As a strategic ally straddling important air and sea lanes in the East Asia Pacific region, the Philippines has been a beneficiary of substantial U.S. assistance for decades. The long historical relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines has resulted in a legal system that has much in common with the American system, making U.S. experience and advice highly relevant.

The goals of INL’s current and proposed programs in the Philippines are to assist the Philippines to develop an effective, civilian-led police force and to strengthen the criminal justice system.

Program Components/Accomplishments:

Law Enforcement Support: This DOJ/ICITAP-implemented law enforcement program includes a Senior Law Enforcement Advisor (SLEA) based in Manila. The SLEA works with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to establish model police stations across the country, conducts training and mentoring for PNP as part of a general reform effort, and is providing specialized training in crime scene investigation and prosecuting extrajudicial killings. PNP training curriculum has been updated and is delivered by applying modern teaching methodologies. Training of PNP trainers remains an integral part of the strategy to ensure sustainability of the law enforcement development program. INL-supported activities also include technical assistance to develop the capabilities of the PNP Maritime Group, including the creation of a Special Boat Unit for patrols and interdictions.

Initial 1207 funds have supported a technical advisor to train the PNP in Sulu Province, reaching more than 330 police officers and heightening knowledge of policing concepts and community service. Additional funding will be used to strengthen civilian law enforcement capacity through mentoring, training, infrastructure assistance, and equipment donations such in the Southern Philippines.

Criminal Justice Reform: This DOJ/OPDAT-implemented program anticipates placing a Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) in Manila in 2010. The RLA’s focus will be to strengthen police-prosecutor cooperation, improve prosecutorial training and skills development, promote legislative reforms designed to improve the operation of the criminal justice system, and to develop and support better use of existing criminal procedure tools, such as plea bargaining.

Funding FY 2005-2009:

FY 2005 – $3,968,000 (INCLE)

FY 2006 – $1,980,000 (INCLE)

FY2007 – $1,900,000 (INCLE) + $300,000 (1207) = $2,200,000

FY 2008 – $794,000 (INCLE) + $4,000,000 (ESF) = $4,794,000

FY 2009 – $800,000 (INCLE) + $4,925,000 (1207) = $5,560,000

INCLE: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Funds1207: Section 1207 of the National Defense Authorization ActESF: Economic Support Funds